The team at Eat Merimbula knows no bounds when it comes to a photo shoot with Merimbula Wharf Restaurant chef Anthony Daly happy to dive deep for something different. To highlight the freshness of local produce and diversity of the menu underwater photographer Louise Kelly put Anthony Daly in the picture for the Eat Merimbula 2018 poster. Eat Merimbula is the annual foodie festival that brings thousands to the Fishpen foreshore and turns six on March 11. The one day festival showcases local chefs, winemakers and producers in a market style feast on the Fishpen foreshore through a diverse menu, with no plate is priced over $8. This year’s poster shows chef Anthony Daly of Merimbula Wharf Restaurant strolling the sea floor on the hunt for a new seafood recipe. Daly, whose Eden Mussel dishes are a festival highlight, said 2018 will see approximately 40 dishes and beverages on the menu, served by enthusiastic local chefs and producers. “It’s all about celebrating seasonal produce, from the farm and the sea, and serving it simply in a beautiful environment,” he said. “Merimbula Lake is one of the best oyster producing estuaries in Australia, and it makes the perfect backdrop to lay down a picnic blanket with your friends and graze for a few hours.” While the final menu won’t be released for another two weeks, there were some tasty items confirmed this week. Steamed boa buns with shredded pork by the Rockpool Café, Club Sapphire, Balmain bug brioche with coconut mayo, green apple, fennel and watercress salad by Drift Restaurant and Bar in Eden, and a new trio of pies by Wild Rye’s Bakery and Coffee Roasting Company in Pambula. Other new locavores include Sapphire Coast Eats (woodfired pizza), Smifie Catering (crepes with seasonal fruits), Eastwood’s Deli and Cooking School (artisan donuts), Bianchini Gelati, Pambula’s Pantry and Mormors, Merimbula. The rapid growth of the event has also driven an expanded road closure this year with Fisphen Road between Marine Parade and Calendo Court being closed from 7am - 3pm. Everyone is being encouraged to bring a picnic rug, a good appetite and plenty of mates for a lakeside feast, between 10am and 2pm, on Sunday, March 11. More information about the festival is available at www.eatfestival.com.au or facebook/eatmerimbula

Daly, whose Eden Mussel dishes are a festival highlight, said 2018 will see approximately 40 dishes and beverages on the menu, served by enthusiastic local chefs and producers.

“It’s all about celebrating seasonal produce, from the farm and the sea, and serving it simply in a beautiful environment,” he said.

“Merimbula Lake is one of the best oyster producing estuaries in Australia, and it makes the perfect backdrop to lay down a picnic blanket with your friends and graze for a few hours.”

While the final menu won’t be released for another two weeks, there were some tasty items confirmed this week.

Eat Merimbula attracts the crowds who come to experience the best of local produce.

Steamed boa buns with shredded pork by the Rockpool Café, Club Sapphire, Balmain bug brioche with coconut mayo, green apple, fennel and watercress salad by Drift Restaurant and Bar in Eden, and a new trio of pies by Wild Rye’s Bakery and Coffee Roasting Company in Pambula.